How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2019 Kia Sorento

To add a trailer hitch to a 2019 Kia Sorento you will need a few tools, a CURT 13195 trailer hitch and about 90 minutes to complete the installation. Follow these basic steps and you will be on your way to hauling small and large loads across North America with your Kia Sorento.

About the CURT 13195

The CURT 78290 is a class 3, bolt-on trailer hitch designed for the 2019 Kia Sorento. The hitch has a max trailer weight of 5,000 lb. and a max tongue weight of 750 lb. Its 2-inch receiver tube accepts ball mounts or hitch-mount accessories, like bike racks and cargo carriers.

Tools needed:

  • Exhaust pliers
  • Tie down strap
  • Torque wrench
  • 17mm, 14mm, ¾ in., 11/16 in. sockets
  • Safety glasses
  
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  
  • Socket wrench 5 in. extension
  

 2019 Kia Sorento hitch installation steps

1. Lower the spare tire

Temporarily lower the spare tire using the vehicle-provided jack. Remove the spare tire and set it aside.

2. Remove the underbody paneling

Remove the underbody paneling on the driver side. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the six screws on the bottom and the 14mm socket to remove the nuts at the top of the paneling.

3. Support the exhaust

Use the tie down strap to attach the exhaust tube to a crossbeam. This provides support so the exhaust can be lowered.

4. Lower the exhaust

Use the exhaust pliers to pry the isolator rods out of the rubber exhaust hangers. There are three total. You may need to lubricate the hangers with soapy water before removing the rods.

5. Install the M10 hex bolts

Lift the hitch into position. Insert two M10 hex bolts into the bottom weld nuts on the passenger side with the conical toothed washers facing up and loosely tighten. Insert the remaining M10 hex bolt into the weld nut on the driver side with the conical toothed washer facing up and loosely tighten.

6. Install the carriage bolts

On the driver side, install the ½-inch carriage bolts and secure them with the corresponding hex flange nuts. On the passenger side, install the 7/16-inch carriage bolts and secure them with the corresponding hex flange nuts.

8. Torque the bolts

Using the torque wrench, torque the ½-inch carriage bolts to 110 ft. lb., the 7/16-inch to 60 ft. lb. and the M10 hardware to 48 ft. lb. You should hear a clicking sound after the correct amount of torque is applied.

9. Raise the exhaust

Using the exhaust pliers, return the isolator rods to the rubber exhaust hangers.

10. Reattach the underbody paneling

In reverse fashion, reattach the underbody paneling.

11. Replace the spare tire

Raise the spare tire to its original position and return the tools to the rear cargo compartment.

Once installed, the hitch should measure:
4 in. from the pin hole to the end of the bumper
1 ½ in. from the end of the receiver, tube to end of the bumper
13 in. from the ground to the top of the receiver tube

You should now have your CURT 13195 trailer hitch installed on your 2019 Kia Sorento.

Whatever vehicle you drive, we have a trailer hitch for you. Don’t have the time to install yourself? Schedule a professional installation at uhaul.com and we’ll do the work. If U-Haul doesn’t have a hitch for your vehicle, nobody does!

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